This workshop was offered in 2026. Sign up for our email list to receive updates for the 2027 conference.
The Poetry of Memoir
Writing Workshop in New Jersey
January 16-19, 2026
Led by Jane Wong
We often write in prose when telling the stories that shape our personal and collective histories—but what happens when we invite poetry into the process? This workshop explores how poetic techniques can deepen nonfiction by bringing emotional resonance, sensory tenderness and imaginative leaps to our narratives. Together, we’ll read and discuss passages from poetic memoirists such as Carvell Wallace, Safiya Sinclair, Chet’la Sebree, Tyler Mills, Billy-Ray Belcourt and Jami Nakamura Lin. Through generative prompts, collaborative workshopping and time for community sharing, we’ll experiment with lyricism in our own memoir writing.
*Limited to just 10 participants.*
“I came into the getaway not knowing what to expect and left counting down the days until I could come back. It was easy to take risks and attempt something new with such a wonderful community of writers who all expressed such support and encouragement. It was something that I did not realize I was missing in my life until I experienced it. Thank you!”
~ Trista, Toms River, NJ
Jane Wong
Jane Wong is the author of the memoir Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City (Tin House, 2023), winner of the Washington State book award. She also wrote two poetry collections: How to Not Be Afraid of Everything (Alice James, 2021) and Overpour (Action Books, 2016). She is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and fellowships and residencies from the U.S. Fulbright Program, Harvard’s Woodberry Poetry Room, Artist Trust, Hedgebrook, Ucross, Loghaven, the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund and others. An interdisciplinary artist, she has exhibited her poetry installations and performances at the Frye Art Museum, Richmond Art Gallery and the Asian Art Museum. She grew up in a takeout restaurant on the Jersey shore and is an Associate Professor at Western Washington University. Read a piece by Jane and learn more on her website.
